Thermovalorization of screen rejects for hydrogen, biochar, and fillers
Innovative thermovalorization process converts waste from recycled paper into hydrogen, biochar, and fillers. This technology valorizes heterogeneous screen rejects, turning them into valuable energy and materials while supporting environmental sustainability.
Overview
The thermovalorization of screen rejects from recycled paper and old corrugated cardboard offers a sustainable solution for waste management by converting these materials into valuable products. This process efficiently transforms organic components such as plastics and adhesives into hydrogen energy, while the remaining biochar serves as an effective adsorber for pollutants. Additionally, inorganic fillers are recovered, making them suitable for use in paper or construction industries. This method not only reduces landfill waste but also produces renewable energy and materials.
Technical specifications
- Hydrogen production: Utilizes organic waste components, optimized through temperature and catalyst adjustments in controlled atmosphere pressurized reactors.
- Biochar generation: Resultant biochar is tested for pollutant adsorption, including CO2 and nitrogen.
- Filler recovery: Inorganic fillers are separated and evaluated for use in paper and construction, determined by operating temperature.
- Density separation: Metals are extracted either before or after the thermovalorization process based on their density.
- Process optimization: Utilizes Aspen+ software for refining process parameters and ensuring high-quality outputs.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating that it has been experimentally proven in a laboratory setting. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing the process for industrial application, ensuring scalability and efficiency in real-world conditions.
About National Institute of Chemistry (Kemijski inštitut)
Slovenia’s National Institute of Chemistry (Kemijski inštitut) is a leading public research institute based in Ljubljana, bringing together multidisciplinary teams, advanced infrastructure, and close ties with universities to address industry‑relevant challenges. Industry partners engage through contract research, analytical services, collaborative projects, and access to shared facilities such as high‑field NMR, mass spectrometry, and advanced microscopy. Its location near established pharmaceutical and specialty‑chemical manufacturers in Slovenia and Central Europe supports agile partnering, talent pipelines, and rapid technology validation. Research is supported by competitive European Commission programs and national research funding. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinout support, offering clear pathways from discovery to deployment.
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